Ukraine war live: Zelenskyy to meet Trump in Florida for peace talks after Russia intensifies strikes

On November 30, a Russian drone attack killed one person and wounded 11, including a child, on the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine's capital. The attack, which occurred overnight on Saturday, also left six people dead and dozens injured across the country, cutting power to 400,000 households in Kyiv. Russia claimed the strikes were aimed at Ukrainian military-industrial and energy facilities in response to "terrorist attacks". Earlier, a Ukrainian naval drone attack damaged a mooring at Russia's Black Sea terminal, halting operations for the Caspian Pipeline Consortium. Ukraine's military also reported hitting Russia's Afipsky oil refinery and the Beriev military aviation plant. The incident occurred amid ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with Russian drones entering Moldova's airspace.

Ukrainian naval drones struck two Russian oil tankers, Kairos and Virat, in the Black Sea on Friday. The tankers were empty and headed to Novorossiysk, a major Russian port, when they were targeted by the drones. Video footage showed powerful explosions causing fires on both vessels, which sustained critical damage and were effectively taken out of service. Ukraine has been attacking Russian oil refineries using long-range aerial drones, but this attack represents a different kind of assault. The strikes are part of Kyiv's efforts to pressure Russia's vast oil industry, particularly its "shadow fleet" that helps Moscow export oil despite western sanctions. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium halted operations after a mooring was damaged by the drone attack, with Kazakhstan calling it unacceptable.

In November 2025, Ukrainian forces targeted two oil tankers in the Black Sea with drone attacks. The ships, named Kairos and Virat, were flagged to The Gambia. These tankers were allegedly part of Russia's "shadow fleet," which is reportedly used to circumvent sanctions. According to the news report, the ships were empty at the time of the attacks. Both vessels are now out of service following the incidents. The attacks occurred as part of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

In December 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy fired Andriy Yermak, the head of the presidential office, amid a $100 million corruption scandal and Western pressure. Yermak, a former lawyer and close associate of Zelenskyy, had held significant power, influencing appointments and strategic decisions regarding the war with Russia. He was also a key peace negotiator. Yermak's concentration of power and abrasive style had made him a controversial figure. The firing followed months of speculation and an investigation into his alleged involvement in corruption.

Peace talks between the U.S. and Ukraine have entered a productive phase, reportedly after President Zelenskyy sent a new delegation to Florida. According to a former Ukrainian government official, the change in personnel, with Rustem Umerov leading the team, signals a potential shift away from Ukraine's previously "uncompromising" stance. The new delegation, which also included Andrii Hnatov and Andrii Sybiha, met to discuss President Trump's proposed framework for ending the war with Russia. Umerov described the meeting as productive and successful, expressing gratitude for U.S. support and emphasizing the goal of a prosperous Ukraine. The talks follow a leaked transcript alleging a U.S. envoy advised Russian officials on how to present a peace plan to Trump.

In November 2025, Ukrainian Member of Parliament Lisa Yasko discussed the ongoing investigation of President Zelenskyy's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak. The investigation centers around corruption accusations that arose following Yermak's resignation. Yasko characterized the investigation as "very transparent." The discussion occurred in the context of news coverage regarding the situation within the Ukrainian government. The purpose of the investigation is to determine the validity of the corruption allegations against the former chief of staff.

Andriy Yermak, the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, has resigned, according to an announcement by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Yermak's representation of Ukraine's position in negotiations. The resignation comes after Yermak's home was reportedly raided by anti-corruption investigators. Zelenskyy stated he will hold consultations to appoint a new head of the office. The timing and specific reasons for the resignation, beyond the reported investigation, were not detailed in Zelenskyy's announcement.

On November 29, 2025, Andriy Yermak, Ukraine's Chief-of-Staff and a top aide to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, resigned following an anti-corruption raid. Yermak was scheduled to lead crucial talks with the United States regarding the war with Russia. The resignation occurred amidst a growing corruption scandal within Ukraine. The event raises questions about the future implications for Ukraine, particularly concerning its relationship with the US and the ongoing war effort. Experts are analyzing the situation to determine the potential impact on Ukraine's political landscape and international relations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the resignation of his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak. Yermak submitted his resignation amid reports of a property raid by Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies. Zelenskyy stated the move was to avoid rumors and speculation and to ensure internal strength during key talks regarding a potential peace deal. He expressed gratitude for Yermak's service in representing Ukraine's position in negotiations. Zelenskyy plans to hold consultations to find a replacement for the role. The resignation follows a search of Yermak's property as part of an anti-graft probe.

Ukrainian naval drones struck two Russian oil tankers, the Kairos and Virat, in the Black Sea off the Turkish coast on Friday and Saturday. The tankers, flagged to the Gambia and part of Russia's "shadow fleet" used to bypass sanctions, sustained damage but reported no casualties. The attacks, using Sea Baby drones, are viewed as an escalation by Ukraine to target Russia's oil revenues. Separately, the Caspian Pipeline Consortium suspended loading at the Russian Black Sea port of Novorossiysk after an unmanned boat attack damaged a mooring point. Kazakhstan, a major stakeholder in the consortium, condemned the attack and its impact on energy supplies and relations with Ukraine.

Russian drone and missile strikes in and around Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, have killed at least three people and wounded dozens of others, officials said. The strikes occurred on November 29, 2025, with two people killed in the capital and a woman dying in a combined missile and drone attack on the broader Kyiv region. Eight people were also wounded in the Kyiv region, while 29 people were injured in the city, including a 10-year-old boy who suffered burns and other injuries after being hit by a drone. The strikes targeted residential areas, critical infrastructure, and energy grids. Ukrainian officials have condemned the attacks, with Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stating that Russia continues to pursue its "war plan" despite ongoing talks on ending the war.

On Saturday, November 29, 2025, Russia launched a nearly 10-hour air assault across Ukraine, resulting in casualties and injuries. The attack, involving dozens of missiles and hundreds of drones, killed at least two people in Kyiv and one outside the city, while injuring dozens more. The capital, Kyiv, experienced the heaviest fire, with emergency workers responding to fires and tending to the wounded in seven districts. The assault occurred as U.S. officials were expected to hold peace talks with Ukrainian and Russian officials in the coming days, aiming to find a diplomatic resolution to the war. Residents of Kyiv were awakened by prolonged air-raid warnings and experienced damage to their homes.

A revised peace framework for the war in Ukraine is gaining momentum, with the US, Ukraine, and Russia engaging in negotiations. The US is facilitating talks, with special envoys meeting in Moscow and defense leaders consulting with Ukrainian counterparts. Ukraine has reportedly accepted the broad outlines of a deal, though details are still being negotiated. Despite this progress, a major obstacle remains: Russia demands Ukrainian territory, which Ukraine refuses to concede. While some Ukrainian officials see the plan as a workable framework, the territorial dispute and potential sanctions relief for Russia are contentious points. Experts warn that Putin's unwillingness to compromise on land acquisition could ultimately derail the peace process.